About the Job
The University of Minnesota Arboretum delights and inspires hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The Winter Lights Assistants are part of the Facilities Rental and Visitor Services team that will assist the Signature Events and Exhibits Specialist to ensure the delivery of world-class, dynamic special events and related projects throughout the year for our Arboretum members and the general public.
Job Dates: September 16 - March 14, 6-month seasonal temporary appointment
Classification: 6025
Classification Title: Building & Grounds Worker
Working Title: Winter Lights Assistant
Supervisor: Special Events Manager
Job Responsibilities:
- 30% Winter Lights installation
- Work with the Special Events team to install the Winter Lights display.
- Assist with planning display areas.
- Assist with organizing lights, electrical cords, and props - includes unloading from storage and bringing to set up sites.
- Assist with procuring materials for set up such as rebar, ground stakes, tomato cages, etc.
- Assist with light installation according to the plan/timeline set.
- Ensure the S'mores Village has firewood and firepits ready (fire extinguisher close by and ready too).
- 30% Winter Lights event staffing
- Work with the Special Events Team to run the Winter Lights display from Mid-November to Early-January.
- Walk through the Winter Lights display prior to start time to ensure all areas are functioning.
- Set up fire pits for S'mores Village - stock firewood as needed.
- During Winter Lights:
- Monitor lights for function.
- Monitor visitors for safety and redirect if potentially become injured or break displays.
- Assist with parking as needed.
- Assist with traffic flow as needed.
- Assist with snow removal.
- Clear area at the end of the night - close deer fences, extinguish firepits, move firepits and chairs to the side of the parking lot.
- 30% Winter Lights de-installation
- Following the Winter Lights' final date - assist with taking down the display.
- Assist with creating a de-installation timeline based on which lights are free of ice/snow and safe to take down.
- Assist with storing lights and displays in an organized manner so we can use both for multiple years.
- The goal will be to take the display out of the gardens as quickly as possible then take care to dry out, wrap and store lights.
- 10% Assist Spring/Fall/Winter Events
- Assist the Events Team with set up and tear down of events that fall into the September-April timeline.
- Assist with season program setup including Spring Flower Show, Fall Color Run trail set up and take down, Full Moon events - assist with trail setup and takedown, and additional events as added.
Starting Hourly Rate: $21.63/hr (Step 1). This is a Teamsters union position which will include the University of MN complete benefits package, shift differential, wage increases and other provisions per the union contract. This is a full-time (100%), 40 hours per week position.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Must have the ability to climb ladders.
- Must have the ability to stand for long periods of time.
- Must have the ability to follow established safety protocols.
- Must have the desire and ability to work outside in all weather conditions.
- Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate in English.
- Very strong organizational skills.
- Track record of success planning and delivering events of light.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diplomas/GED.
- Previous operations and/or student support experience.
- Low voltage electrical knowledge.
About the Department
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a community outreach unit of the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences. The Arboretum is located west of Minneapolis/St Paul and its 1,200 acres traverse the municipalities of Chaska, Chanhassen and Victoria. As a member of the American Public Garden Association and an accredited museum through the American Alliance of Museums, the Arboretum is a tremendous public asset. Visitors engage with gardens, collections, natural areas, a farm, research demonstrations, youth and adult education, events and exhibits. Please visit us at https://arb.umn.edu/
Benefits
Working at the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
- University HSA contributions.
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance.
- Employee wellbeing program.
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.
- Financial counseling services.
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.
- Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the U of M
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
